If we were to go to the highest point in Arkansas, we would find ourselves at Mount Magazine State Park. This State Park delivers great views of valleys, lakes, winding rivers, and distant hills. The rugged rock outcroppings protrude from the densely wooded forests. What makes this State Park even more spectacularly beautiful is that it is surrounded by National Forest lands encompassing acres of woods. The State Park covers about 2,200 acres on top of the mountain. The average annual temperature is six degrees cooler on the summit than in surrounding areas, and summer temperatures are frequently ten to fifteen degrees cooler than in surrounding valleys. The mountain is a flat-topped plateau rimmed by sandstone bluffs. The mountain’s altitude, climate, and geology contribute to its variety of plants and animals and create a wide variety of habitats within a small area.
Climbing to the top
One of the exciting things to do at Mount Magazine State Park is rock climbing. Mount Magazine State Park provides 100 climbing routes. A designated area of the state park gives you access to a 1,500-foot-wide stretch of rock with routes up to 80 feet in height. Several of the routes appeal to beginners. The area makes a good place to practice your rappelling skills. Before climbing, you must register at the park visitor center. Other activities at the state park include camping, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.
Gliding on the winds
Another fun thing to do while at Mount Magazine State Park is hang gliding. Enthusiasts have flocked to the highest peak in Arkansas for many years. Rising high above the Petit Jean River Valley and Arkansas River Valley, Mount Magazine has near perfect conditions for flight, making it one of the best hang gliding locations in Arkansas. Hang gliding participants must register each day at the park visitor center and be Class 4 certified to fly alone. A Class 3 flier can fly with a Class 4. Parking is available at the hang gliding launch site. Hang gliding only happens when the Mount Magazine weather is right but this has been one of the most popular hang gliding locations for a long time.
What a nice place
The campground at Mount Magazine State Park is located at the site of the former USDA Forest Service Cameron Bluff Campground. The park campground, which opened in the summer of 2001, features reconstructions and upgrades to the original campground. The official campground has great spots to set up camp with appropriately spaced sites and nice views. There is an unofficial overflow campground with another area that offers even better views over the Arkansas valley.
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